After talking with a friend, I realized that I had paid a ridiculous amount of money out of pocket to my alternative practitioner (who was also an MD) for less-than-stunning results -- I didn't need to see my "witch doctor" to go gluten-free and she never did change my meds to include T3, which was what I wanted when I went to her. I only saw an alternative practitioner in the first place because of my dismissive mainstream doc, I was always skeptical about it.

I realize I haven't posted for a while. I was going through a frustrating job search, and I wasn't in the mood to post much. I have been working on contract since June -- my contract was renewed for a few months in December, but the project I am working on is winding down, and I didn't see any hope of continuing it. I had an interview with a company I was really excited about, but they found someone with more experience -- though I felt like it went well, it didn't end in a job. I was really terrified of being out of work -- though my husband makes a good income, we couldn't live on his alone.

I ended up getting what I had given up on -- another extension of my contract, this time until the end of the year. I will be working in the learning and development department and will be getting lots of great new experience -- I'll get to see how a world-class company does talent development. I'm very hopeful about it -- it will put me in a better position to find something internal, and I'll be developing new skills that should make me more marketable externally.

In other news, I'm giving a TEDx talk next weekend. I'm still working on my talk but it is about work and how it relates to identity -- obviously something that has been on my mind.

My triathlon training continues -- I have decided not to go with a coach this time, and see what I can do on my own. I've already registered for a few races and am going to add a couple more to my schedule. I was afraid to commit to too much without knowing I would be working. Triathlons are expensive.

Finally, my husband and I are cutting back on expenses to pay down debt. I don't want to feel the panic I was feeling ever again. I gave up my Gwynnie Bee subscription, which I loved, because I decided I'd rather put that money toward feeling more financially stable. I'm glad I bought some of my favorite pieces. I really enjoyed the service and maybe I'll pick it up again in the future.

Hopefully I haven't lost everyone because of my long break. I have noticed a lot of my fellow bloggers slowing down. I think Facebook and Instagram and even Periscope are stealing some of the blogging thunder. I still check in with my old favorites now and then to see what's new.  I'm hoping to start updating more often, too.